Sheriff Investigating Burglary Spree

January 31, 2013

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance as they investigate a rash of burglaries that occurred early this week. The theft of a vehicle that may be related to the burglaries is also under investigation.

According to Palo Alto County Sheriff Lynn Schultes, the first burglary was discovered at 12:34 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28, at Ruthven Meat Processing in Ruthven. A deputy on patrol discovered a window broken at the business. Entry was gained through the window, causing $400 in damage to the business.

At 3:00 a.m. Jan. 28, deputies were advised of a vehicle being rammed into Sparky's Convenience Store in Mallard. A possible suspect vehicle was described as a light silver or white colored quad cab truck, which was last seen headed southbound on Iowa Highway Four. When deputies arrived at the scene, the west wall of Sparky's had been pushed in and entry gained to the business. Damages to the building and business were estimated at $10,000.

Just before 6:00 a.m. Monday, a burglary was discovered at the Silver Lake Caf in Ayrshire. Deputies determined a door to the business was pried open to gain entry to the establishment. Damages were estimated at $500 to the business.

At 7:21 a.m. Monday, officials of the Blue Moon Bar in Ayrshire reported a burglary at their business, as a door was pried open to gain entry to the establishment. Damage to the door and video machines in the establishment were estimated at $500.

A final burglary was discovered at 9:18 a.m. Monday when officials of the Ayrshire Community Center reported a door had been pried open to gain entry to the Community Center. Damages were estimated at $500 to the door.

The sheriff's office then received a report of a stolen vehicle in Ayrshire at 9:45 a.m. Monday. A 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab pickup with license plate, 384ZSP, was parked in the 1100 block of Cambell Street in Ayrshire. The missing truck is valued at $10,000.

Sheriff's deputies and the business owners are conducting inventories at each business to determine what items may have been taken in the burglaries.

The Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for its assistance in solving these burglaries. Anyone who may have noticed vehicles near any of these businesses during the overnight hours or suspicious individuals, or having any information on any of the burglaries is asked to contact the Palo Alto County Sheriff's Office at 712-852-3535. You may remain anonymous to give information on any of these incidents.